It may not have the visceral open-road appeal of Cars & Transportation, the looking-good-while-being-green glow of Fashion & Beauty, the geeky goodness of Science & Technology, or the slick style of Design & Architecture, but when it comes down to it, Business & Politics is the backdrop upon which the entire ongoing green drama is played. We can do all the changing of lightbulbs and installation of solar panels, wearing of organic clothing and eco-coiffing, bicycle riding, and sustainable furniture sitting we like, but that type of personal action is only one part of the story. Without serious change at the political and business level, the transition to a low-carbon, ecologically sustainable future simply won't happen. Here are some of the best examples of people and organizations who blazed a trail for the rest of us to follow during the past year.